Seeding Rates for Mixtures

Where a seed mix will be used, the percent of each species desired in the mixture needs to be determined. This calculation is (the percent desired in seed mix) X (pounds PLS recommended per acre) = pounds PLS mix per acre.

An example: Of the desired seed mix, 85 percent will be 'Goldar' bluebunch wheatgrass. This lot of seed has a 90 percent PLS. The NRCS recommended seeding rate is 7 pounds PLS per acre. The remaining 15 percent of the mix is 'Delar' small burnet. This lot of seed has an 85 percent PLS. The NRCS recommended seeding rate is 20 pounds PLS per acre.

(Goldar 85 percent) X (7 pounds PLS per acre) = 5.95 pounds PLS per acre mixed
(Delar 15 percent) X (20 pounds PLS per acre) = 3.0 pounds PLS per acre mixed

Next, determine the amount of bulk seed (mixed) per acre. This will use the same formula as explained in Adjusting Seeding Rates:

Goldar:
5.95 pounds PLS per acre / 90 percent = 6.6 pounds bulk mixed per acre

Delar:
3.0 pounds PLS per acre / 85 percent = 3.5 pounds bulk mixed per acre

Finally, multiply the pounds of bulk seed per acre for each species by the acres to be seeded to obtain the total bulk seed required for the entire seeding project acreage.

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Last Modified: 07/05/2007